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RIP Justin Wilson 1978-2015

RIP Justin Wilson

English IndyCar and former Formula One driver Justin Wilson died in hospital this morning, a day after suffering serious head injuries during a race.

Wilson, 37, had been in a coma after being struck by debris from the car of Sage Karam, who had spun into the wall further up the road during Sunday’s IndyCar Series race at Pocono Speedway.

“This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole,” said Mark Miles, chief executive of IndyCar series parent company Hulman and Co.

“Justin’s elite ability to drive a race car was matched by his unwavering kindness, character and humility – which is what made him one of the most respected members of the paddock.

“As we know, the racing industry is one big family, and our efforts moving forward will be focused on rallying around Justin’s family to ensure they get the support they need during this unbelievably difficult time.”

Wilson’s Andretti Autosport team also issued a statement, which read: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Justin Wilson. He was a tremendous racer, a valuable member of the team and respected representative to our sport.

“While Justin was only part of the Andretti lineup for a short time, it only took a second for him to forever become part of the Andretti family.

“His life and racing career is a story of class and passion surpassed by none. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Wilson family and fans worldwide.

“Godspeed, JW.”

RIP Justin WilsonJustin Wilson drove for Minardi and Jaguar in 2003, but his tall 6ft 4in frame (he remains the tallest driver ever to have piloted a Formula One car) and lack of sponsorship cut his F1 career short. He did enjoy success in American open-wheel racing with stints in Champ Car (2004-2007) and IndyCar (2008-2015).

With head injuries being a sensitive subject in Formula One at the moment just six weeks after Jules Bianchi succumbed to he serious head injury he sustained at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Wilson’s death is another hefty blow for motor racing and hearts around paddock and pit garage are weighing very heavily. Seven time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher is also still continuing a long recovery from his serious head injury resulting from a skiing accident in December 2013.

There’s been an outpouring of sadness and condolences for the loss and family of Justin Wilson from the Formula One community on Twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Adele Groenendaal

Some say she's Murray Walker's illegitimate offspring. Others say she was a right wheel-gunner for the Lotus F1 team. All we know is Adele has high octane fuel running through her veins and Formula One is her passion. Follow Adele on Twitter @aprilrain500

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